Chapter 7-Exam 3 Flashcards
functions of the court…?
Norm enforcement-DA’s office
Dispute Processing-civil suits
Policy making-supreme/superior court
Adversarial meaning
lawyers from both sides fight for their client and a judge/jury decides it.
both state and federal systems are…
adversarial and separate entities
criminal court…
prosecution vs. defendent
civil court
plaintiff vs. defendant
specialty courts:
DUI, Veterans, Drugs, MHID
appeal courts
look at the information of the trial and find errors
Mahanoy Area School District vs. B.L.
school girl posting disparaging messages about school but not treats get suspended from all extra-curricular activities, goes to supreme court, they decide it’s against her 1st amendment rights.
Judges Role in trial
have most power
make sure process is going correctly
decides guilt or innocence
administration over offices in courthouse
usually elected but can be appointed
must have a neutral stance- Adjudication
Federal courts
district courts, appeals, supreme courts
prosecutors/ district attorney
top law enforcement
federal-prosecutes in district courts
Roles of Prosecutors/ District Attorney
-Make important decisions on what charges to pursue
-Weather to offer incentives to allow for a plea deal
-Persuade judges and juries
-Hold news conferences to keep people informed
State attorney general
chief legal officer in state, responsible for both civil and criminal matters
United states attorneys:
officials responsible for the prosecution if crimes that violate the laws of the united states. They are appointed by the president and assigned to US district court jurisdiction.
Role of Defense Attorney/ public attorney
Advise
represent appeals
represent clients
